GrJ Berkshire

As I have put elsewhere tender ports will be a real problem in the future. How the tenders will work with distancing it's hard to answer? The packing in on tenders at start and end of the day is a major issue, which will have to be addressed.

What about tendering? Not sure how this works in the 'new normal'?

Tendering could be a real problem in the future. As the process of loading and disembarking cannot be socially distanced and the way people are packed into tenders an issue, I am not sure how cruise lines will adapt these is an issue for the 'new normal'

11 hours ago, SedonaJoel said:

Two comments:

 

1. When Regent just cancelled our Copenhagen to Reykjavik cruise we got 125% FCC and an offer to take a similar cruise (not the same exact cruise) and be guaranteed that it would not cost more than we paid for the cancelled cruise.

 

2.  The new FCC did not have to be used for one year.

 

As far as future cancellations you still have Regents standard cancellation policy where you only lose $100 if you cancel 4 or 5 months out.

 

Regent's policy in the past has been to credit the $100/pp cancellation fee to any other Regent cruise booked within one year.

 

Joel

 

This is the US refund policy, not the same in UK and other places!

Why the surprise?

If the ships have to sail less than full ( pre covid numbers ) for social distancing and dining capacity the price will not reduce. This will be the 'new normal' as elevator capacity etc will not allow 700+ on the ships (400 on Navigator ).Equally flights will be severely reduced and never as cheap again.

Think this is a vision of the 'new normal' which Regent will have to adopt if it is to remain in business. Especially things like no buffets, having a health check prior to boarding and no lifts/elevators, closing spa's , casinos and having staggered set times for meals. The elevators one especially will sort out the passengers who can cruise ( although this will fit in with SOLAS as if you could not use the stairs ,how do you move in an evacuation of the ship ).

River boats have very little space and also as you are always in national waters so must apply the rules of the country, unlike international waters on the high seas

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I can only speak for ourselves but we love the open spaces - particularly on deck 5 where, in addition to Destination Services and Reception, there is the Business Center (aka computer room), GM's office, Cruise Consultant's office, the Executive Concierge plus a lot of seating.  Sofas near the window, tables and chairs in the middle, lots of light - just a nice place to hang out, work on the computer or people-watch.

 

The bathrooms in the F1/F2 suites (equal to the lower suites on other ships) have tons of storage space and a bathroom to die for (two sinks and a lot of storage). One could easily do a WC in these suites.

 

Pacific Rim is a great restaurant (I think that you've been on Oceania - it is similar but not identical to Red Ginger).  La Veeranda's buffet, that will be out of commission for a while, is completely different than the other ships with stations in the middle of the area so there are not the long lines that you see sometimes in La Veranda.  There are also two sanitizing stations in the middle so one can easily disinfect their hands after using spring utensils.

 

The gym is on two decks but is considerably larger than the other ships.  Some people enjoy the aft infinity pool.  It is an area that usually isn't crowded and is a good place to lay in the sun or read a book.  

 

The downsides are the infamous theater that, IMO, is not as bad as some say.  Yes - you cannot see well in the balcony and could have your view blocked by a column downstairs but, if you get there a few minutes before the show you can get a seat with sight lines that are just as good as the other ships.  We do not miss an outside viewing area.  We have had a forward suite with a huge balcony that was unusual most of the time due to the wind.  Some people miss an aft lounge.  Again, we do not as we often found it hot in the afternoon in that area.  Explorer does have two lounges mid-ship plus the Observation Lounge.

 

Everyone has their own tastes.  Our preference now is to only sail Explorer or Splendor.  We also feel that they could fairly easily be turned into a ship that would meet CDC guidelines.  In any case, it does have flaws but most things and people do as well - perhaps that is why I identify with her so much!

But as Flossie put some annoying serious design faults, lack of forward outside space is one, but the worst are the appalling design in the theatre where most of the upstairs cannot see the stage, plus the high noise level in the main part of compass rose. Also lots of wasted space near the spa and pacific rim. I also think the infinity pool at the back is not the best use of space and was seriously underused on out cruise on the Explorer.

2 hours ago, mrstanley said:

I don't understand why anyone from the UK would want to book a cruise with Regent since the cancelation policy for

those citizens is really awful. Way too much money to loose.

The whole ethos in the UK is totally different to US. In Britain the TA has ABTA and ATOL protection which are Gov't backed schemes which support your booking with the travel companies and airlines. You also have consumer protection via credit and debit cards, but to offset this the non-refund deposit is much higher which stops you backing out , we are also better protected if the Government issues advice not be travel  to a certain area or country and then no penalty applies.. Just different cultures, most Brits have a different attitude to insurance as well, I had not heard of this all reasons back out , do not believe it's available at a sensible price on the UK. I have even found that the top cover on my travel insurance would never pay out the cost of a 22/23 day Regent B2B that we have done twice.

Now covid-19 is excluded from all new policies in terms of paying out and disputes with existing policies will because law sorted out in the High Court.

On ‎5‎/‎1‎/‎2020 at 8:06 AM, Cotswold Eagle said:

Although that measure has been floated in newspapers in recent days and by the Home Secretary in her appearance at committee, it has not been announced. The government spin machine is clearly testing how it would play. The sequence generally is:

 

- headline says ‘quarantine to be introduced’

- article purports that such measures have been agreed in principle, citing ‘sources’

- Government spokesperson says ‘everything is being considered’

Now fact , so UK  is off limits for US  citizens this year.

On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2020 at 1:14 PM, Sancho_proudfoot said:

 

Added the missing punctuation for you.

Today's news of a 14 day quarantine on arrival in UK for Brits and visitors , as is in place in much of Europe will end European cruises for 2020. You were incorrect to change the punctuation on my earlier post !! This will make crew or passengers unable to reach the ships and no excursions possible, without working out how the ship will adapt to the 'new normal'

One day we will cruise again but not in Europe 2020 !!

Regent was superb as we knew it. What will be the 'new normal'? Will we like this and accept the 'new normal'?

How will it work? I can't get my head round how the restaurants will function, there is not room to socially distance with 2m between tables especially not in compass rose, it will mean nearly all will have to be tables of 2 or 1. As no mixed tables would be conceivable, with people from different locations, countries could be allowed. Equally do you want waiters in gloves and masks, how about when you arrive with the 'maitre de' how do you socially distance? Open dining also may not work with people having to be staggered to arrive at different times. The theatre is another major concern ,it is not possible to leave the spaces between people and fit in all who want to attend? Queuing up to go in and out will be a problem. The lifts would have to be only those in a suite, not mixed, most will have to use the stairs, not sure many of Regent 's passengers will be able to do this. The spa, fitness area will have to remain closed, no way will these be able to work as before. Bars a key part of Regent, cannot work as they did, no mixing, no sitting at the bar, will people want this. No block party, SSSociety, could work. What entertainment, few guest acts to fly in, equally no close contact dancing could occur? Excursions and how they operate must change, can't have tendering as at present. Will places be open to visit? In the UK re-opening is not imminent.

How will muster drill be done with social distancing and complying with SOLAS?  How La Veranda will work for breakfast could be a problem, buffet style is an issue . What about the pool, hot tubs and their use? People will want to  use these. Smokers socially distancing is another problem in the connoisseur club or open areas.

Will this be the same luxury experience without these things? I can imagine having to spend more time in your own cabins, no trivia, high tea, lectures for all, no games, senior crew having to remain away from the passengers( can't risk have these people being incapacitated ) Casino will not work either.

The bigger ships with reduced numbers may work, but then is this economically viable? Navigator as a smaller ship with limited public areas could be very crowded especially if open areas are closed in bad weather.

Finally how will crew and passengers get to and from the ships, the airlines will not resume as they were! Many airlines are already in serious trouble, many will have a very different pattern of routes after covid, are they going to have to fly with 66%max passengers to socially distance? Many will not survive this.

We are next due to cruise Jan 2021 on Voyager , Buenos Aires to Lima, we are hoping that this will sail, but I would not bet on it! Whether the experience will be able to match what we know and enjoy? I hope so but again there are a lot of questions to answer !

Keep safe and well and cruise again.

5 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

I personally have no issue with Regent not going to Europe in 2020 (or for cruise lines based in other countries not visiting the U.S.). This makes sense.  However, there are other places in the world that might open up in the fall that many of us are interested in.

Think the only way back will be cruises which don't rely on flights to and from as the airlines or lack of will be the problem. Just read that Warren Buffett has decided it is now time to pull all investment out of the 4 main US airlines. In Europe only those with National support to prop up like KLM/ Air France and Alitalia which has been re-nationalized can see their way forward both BA and Lufthansa are in trouble, Virgin is in need of £500m bailout. Ryanair has also said social distancing and leaving a third of seats empty is idiotic and they will not start under these conditions unless the Irish Government pays for every third seat.

Almost certainly this means no cruises in Europe in 2020,

On top of this the latest casualty in the aviation sector is Rolls Royce aero engines laying off several thousand workers. They make aero engines for both Boeing and Airbus.

33 minutes ago, jhenry1 said:

Hope BA gets reorganized before Dec 25 as we are scheduled on a flight from Cape Town to London and then from London to Austin after our Africa cruise.

Another concern just surfacing in the UK is that BA is considering closing it's entire London Gatwick operation after covid-19. This is why I am more pessimistic about the flights element of future cruise trips, If BA are saying this you wonder how much of the aviation industry is going to survive this?

3 hours ago, cruiseluv said:

Well, then I can safely say you will never cruise again, Air travel is not going to become easier over this. Although maybe first class ticket prices will come down

The feel from Europe is that because of few business travellers that the upper cabins on aircraft will be unfilled as trade fairs and business travel is conducted online, so making plane upgrades which raised 30% of airline income become a thing of the past and planes are one class with fares rising to cover this. Interesting?

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

The "new normal" may be different but flights will no doubt resume when airports reopen.  In terms of P & O, this is an interesting case since they are owned by Carnival but are based in the U.K.  As you know, Regent is following CDC guidelines from the United States that is likely different than rules in your country.  I'd be interested in learning what strict health checks will be implemented.  I thought it was a good idea to test everyone prior to boarding until it was brought up that if someone tested positive, they would be stranded in the port of embarkation.  Even a note from your physician within a week of the cruise (a policy almost implemented on Regent), would not consider what you have been exposed to since taking the test (the airport, plane, etc.) 

 

 

Not sure of your confidence, BA today laid off a quarter of workforce, making redundant 600 pilots. Boeing is laying off 10% of workforce. Not sure what will remain of the aviation industry in UK ! Already several regional airlines have gone.

Demand not expected to return for 4 years to pre-covid 19 levels.

Your problem will be the flights as well Tuesday 29/04 BA has announced 12000 redundancies on top of furloughing scheme for 38000. The airlines will not be back supplying flights in anything like pre-covid form. Plus where will the planes come from ,Boeing was already in trouble following the 737max issues, airbus is now in trouble. Which airline is going to buy/ lease new planes in this economic climate? Can they survive not selling any planes for a year, I doubt it ?

The ability to fly will reduce passengers and crew even if the cruises restart. If you look at Argentina which yesterday stopped all flights national and international till 01/09 .

We live 20miles from LHR ,it is surreal so few planes was 600+ a day now 40/60 mostly cargo, only 1 runway open, just getting used to the quiet and the deep blue skies as so little pollution. Is this the 'new normal'?

51 minutes ago, Belfast Taxman said:

Thanks Marc, you just beat me to it !

it is reported in UK that countries like Brazil and Argentina are yet to reach their “peak”

The main problem is Brazil, as their President is a coronavirus denier , that has meant limited measures so far in this country.

5 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Why would you do that?  Isn't that one of the reasons that Regent is not allowing bookings to be made for cruises that they will likely cancel - they do not want people doing what you propose.  

 

Wendy I did not say that the border would definitely open at the end of next month.  I just stated that the last that I heard it would open next month.  Really not sure if it is possible to open the British Columbia side of Canada while keeping the eastern side closed.  It would not be easy for people on the east coast to fly/drive to the west coast just to cross the border.  In any case, this is up to both the U.S. and Canadian authorities that work together.

 

People in British Columbia own homes and businesses in our county so it is putting extra stress on them - especially since our county has been on a sharp downward trend for almost two weeks (0 deaths in about 10 days and around 1 new case per day in the entire county).  The risk for people in B.C. that visit our county is extremely slim and visa versa.  This type of pandemic has never happened in our lifetime and what has been done in the past does not portend the future.  If it were possible, I would love to see some states close their borders to other states (actually this was done due to people in NYC going down to Florida). Some states are going above and beyond what is required to keep their citizens safe while others are not doing anything.  I would not want to see the hard work that this state (and others that have followed guidelines to a "t") reverse the work that we have done.  If people from Georgia want to have a vacation in Washington (sorry to pick on Georgia - it is a lovely state) it could be dangerous.  They have opened hair salons, tattoo parlors and bowling alleys while their active Covid-19 numbers continue to increase.  

 

Getting back to cruising in the future, I would rather be on the ship with people from states/provinces that have managed to reverse the upward trend of this virus than with people from places where the numbers continue to increase.

The last paragraph would be open to legal challenge as 'discrimination '.

How would you judge an American who lives in 2 areas of the country at different times of the year?

Regent was superb as we knew it. What will be the 'new normal'? Will we like this and accept the 'new normal'?

How will it work? I can't get my head round how the restaurants will function, there is not room to socially distance with 2m between tables especially not in compass rose, it will mean nearly all will have to be tables of 2 or 1. As no mixed tables would be conceivable, with people from different locations, countries could be allowed. Equally do you want waiters in gloves and masks, how about when you arrive with the 'maitre de' how do you socially distance? Open dining also may not work with people having to be staggered to arrive at different times. The theatre is another major concern ,it is not possible to leave the spaces between people and fit in all who want to attend? Queuing up to go in and out will be a problem. The lifts would have to be only those in a suite, not mixed, most will have to use the stairs, not sure many of Regent 's passengers will be able to do this. The spa, fitness area will have to remain closed, no way will these be able to work as before. Bars a key part of Regent, cannot work as they did, no mixing, no sitting at the bar, will people want this. No block party, SSSociety, could work. What entertainment, few guest acts to fly in, equally no close contact dancing could occur? Excursions and how they operate must change, can't have tendering as at present. Will places be open to visit? In the UK re-opening is not imminent.

How will muster drill be done with social distancing and complying with SOLAS?  How La Veranda will work for breakfast could be a problem, buffet style is an issue . What about the pool, hot tubs and their use? People will want to  use these. Smokers socially distancing is another problem in the connoisseur club or open areas.

Will this be the same luxury experience without these things? I can imagine having to spend more time in your own cabins, no trivia, high tea, lectures for all, no games, senior crew having to remain away from the passengers( can't risk have these people being incapacitated ) Casino will not work either.

The bigger ships with reduced numbers may work, but then is this economically viable? Navigator as a smaller ship with limited public areas could be very crowded especially if open areas are closed in bad weather.

Finally how will crew and passengers get to and from the ships, the airlines will not resume as they were! Many airlines are already in serious trouble, many will have a very different pattern of routes after covid, are they going to have to fly with 66%max passengers to socially distance? Many will not survive this.

We are next due to cruise Jan 2021 on Voyager , Buenos Aires to Lima, we are hoping that this will sail, but I would not bet on it! Whether the experience will be able to match what we know and enjoy? I hope so but again there are a lot of questions to answer !

Keep safe and well and cruise again.

31 minutes ago, RJ2002 said:

 

I saw something on the news recently about hotels using UV to disinfect guest rooms.  Because the UV light is so damaging to humans, the lights were mounted on a robot-type thing that was maneuvered into the room and then activated remotely.  It has some sort of safety feature where it deactivates if it detects any movement.  I could see that perhaps being an option in the suites, but using UV in more expansive public areas seems like a daunting proposition.  Like you say, we'll see....

II thought that this lights idea was a 'discredited' idea from TPOUS 2 days ago along with ingesting disinfectant.

2 hours ago, flossie009 said:

............. and there are many others who feel the opposite way.

 

It is clear from your critical  posts on CC and elsewhere on social media that you and a senior member of Destination Services had an issue in the past. One of you is unable to recover from the experience and move on.

 

My opinion remains that Regent dropping included excursions in order to marginally decrease their prices will either have no impact on their future prosperity or may well be detrimental to their market share.

 

Totally agree with you, the inclusive nature is one of the best features of Regent

Keep well and safe and some day carry on cruising

13 minutes ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I admit when we were looking at world cruises about 18 months ago, the Regent trip was more attractive because of the included excursions.  At the time, it seemed daunting to plan all those ports privately, or organize group tours with fellow cruisers, since not many cruisers tend to do that (except Oceania, and we had no intention of doing a WC on that line).  The depth and breadth of choice of excursions seemed very attractive in that context.  Viking offered one "free" excursion per port, but by all reports, those are often quite lame.

 

Otherwise private excursions are best.  But not often practical.  Unless we're travelling with friends, they are often too costly, except for various parts of the third, or emerging world, where private is absolutely the best and affordable.  But we love Regent, so we don't mind going with the inclusion.

Totally agree , the excursions attracted us to Regent and are a good deal.

1 hour ago, crazyank said:

You say this as if the decision has been made.  Please quote your source for this info.

UK govt sources. Virgin Atlantic is in big trouble as is BA , how much will survive?  UK regional airlines have gone bust already. We live 20miles from LHR, now so quiet only 50/ 60 planes a day was 700 . Only 1 runway open. Nearly all cargo planes.

2nd part read about Venice issues with large cruise ships and collisions in the Guidecca canal all year, this will not return.

10 hours ago, cockneyjock said:

With cruising suspended until June, will the ships based in the U.S. come to Europe for a shortened season?

No European cruises in 2020 will happen. The long term problem will also be the airlines, as many will not survive this in their current form, so getting crew, passengers to the ships will be problematic.

Also many European ports like Venice had already had enough of the large cruise ships and will use this crisis to reappraise the role of cruise ships and the environment issues  they bring.